Develop a positive approach and good practice routines so you are best prepared “at the plate.”

Stepping up to the plate in baseball to face a “live” ball, thrown by another person, is an act of courage. It requires self-confidence and a belief that “I can hit.” NO FEAR and controlled anxiety. There should be a bit of nervousness but a self-satisfying belief that you will succeed. It is a challenge!

Stepping up to the plate is a relatively scary proposition. It is a situation in which a player will learn about him/herself. You are alone… Mom, Dad, your teammates, coach, etc. can “root for you” but only you are “in the box” with the ball heading to the plate. You must be prepared and trained to react… If not, you can get hurt and/or of course, be an “easy” out!

Pre-Season: Have a routine eye exam EVERY year to insure proper vision. You must SEE in order to hit!

Hand Eye: Develop increased hand-eye coordination with juggling, skipping rope, hitting drills and visual acuity exercises. Learn to “watch the ball.” Use hand strengtheners to develop wrists/forearms.

Self-Esteem: Developed through hours of practice, knowing you can (confidence) will accelerate hitting success.

Goals: Establishing short and long term goals will help at the plate. Work on skill drills to make yourself a versatile player at the plate.

Practice: Develop acute muscle memory and visualization skills. “See it, hit it” and you must “hit, to hit.” Work on repetition and develop proper hitting techniques. (The SwingAway hitting machine is perfect for providing a station for repetition.)

Attitude: Believe “I CAN HIT!” Step up to the plate and believe you will get a hit… Will yourself to succeed!

Study: Review professional hitter’s and videos, read about hitting, listen, and apply time-tested techniques to your arsenal. Watch the opposing pitcher when in the dugout, warming up, and while on deck… become a perceptive player.

NOT everyone can be a great hitter but ANYONE can step up to the plate!